Leh, June 18 (PTI) - As the stage is set for the special
session of Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly from tomorrow
to pass an autonomy package, Ladakhis opposed to the
''rule from Shrinagar'' are planning to observe a 'black
week'.

Under the aegis of influential Ladakh Buddhist
Association (LBA), the natives, predominantly Buddhists,
are preparing themselves to hold rallies, demonstrations
and dharnas during the week-long protest.

LBA has charted out detailed programmes to air their
strong opposition to the autonomy package as recommended
by the State Autonomy Committee (SAC) for the week-long
agitation starting from June 19 at Leh and other block
headquarters of Nyoma, Durbuk, Diskit, Khaltsi and Padum.

''The Ladakhis are apprehensive that the proposed step
for greater autonomy for the State or to restore the pre-
1953 position will ruin the interests of Ladakhi people
who have been clamouring for Union Territory status for a
long time,''a senior LBA leader has said.

In fact, the Ladakhis' opposition to the ''rule from
Shrinagar'' dates back to the times of head Lama Kushuk
Bakula, who was also a member of the Kashmiri constituent
Assembly.

About Bakula, the Kashmir watchers say that ''he made it
clear that he did not like the land reforms and rule from
Shrinagar was unpalatable''.